How can you learn from employer feedback and rejection?

1 Ask for feedback politely

If you don't receive any feedback after a rejection, you can try to ask for it politely and respectfully. However, don't expect that every employer will respond or give you detailed feedback. Some may have policies or time constraints that prevent them from doing so. When you ask for feedback, thank the employer for their consideration, express your interest in their company, and ask if they can share any areas that you can improve on. Avoid sounding defensive, demanding, or bitter.

2 Analyze the feedback objectively

Once you receive feedback, try to analyze it objectively and constructively. Don't take it personally or let it affect your self-esteem. Instead, focus on the specific points that the employer mentioned and see how they relate to your skills, experience, and goals. Identify the strengths and weaknesses that the feedback reveals and think of ways to address them. For example, if the feedback says that you lacked relevant experience, you can look for opportunities to gain more experience in that field or highlight your transferable skills more effectively.

3 Update your resume and cover letter

Based on the feedback, you may want to update your resume and cover letter to make them more relevant and tailored to the jobs you are applying for. You can use the feedback to highlight your achievements, skills, and qualifications that match the employer's needs and expectations. You can also use the feedback to avoid any errors, gaps, or inconsistencies that may have hurt your chances. For example, if the feedback says that your resume was too long or unclear, you can edit it to make it more concise and organized.

4 Practice your interview skills

Another way to learn from employer feedback and rejection is to practice your interview skills. You can use the feedback to prepare for common interview questions, anticipate potential challenges, and showcase your personality and fit. You can also use the feedback to improve your communication, body language, and confidence. For example, if the feedback says that you were too nervous or vague, you can practice answering questions with more clarity and enthusiasm. You can also ask someone to mock interview you and give you constructive criticism.

5 Seek professional help

If you feel that you need more guidance or support to learn from employer feedback and rejection, you can seek professional help from a career coach, a mentor, or a trusted colleague. They can offer you expert advice, honest feedback, and useful resources to help you improve your job search strategies. They can also help you cope with the emotional and psychological effects of rejection and motivate you to keep trying. For example, a career coach can help you identify your career goals, create a personalized action plan, and connect you with potential opportunities.

6 Keep a positive attitude

Finally, the most important thing to do when learning from employer feedback and rejection is to keep a positive attitude. Rejection is not a reflection of your worth or potential, but an opportunity to grow and improve. Don't let rejection stop you from pursuing your dreams or applying for other jobs. Instead, use it as a motivation to learn from your mistakes, celebrate your achievements, and embrace new challenges. Remember that every rejection brings you closer to the right job for you.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?